Congressman Cuellar said, “As a lifelong border resident, I understand firsthand the implications that a border wall would have on our communities. That is why I oppose all allocation of funds towards a border wall, which is a 14th-century solution to a 21st-century problem. Instead of enacting a concrete wall, we should allocate funding towards technology, equipment, border personnel, and economic development in Central America. I strongly encourage Leader Schumer to reconsider and clarify that Democrats should accept no funding for a wall. I thank my fellow colleagues for joining me in spearheading this important issue, making it clear that we will not negotiate when it comes to a border wall.”

“We need all hands on deck to oppose frivolous border wall spending proposals – that includes Leader Schumer,” Congressman Gonzalez said. “Recently, I submitted official correspondence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in response to the agency’s public comment period. The report articulated how a border wall on the U.S.-Mexico Border would: further inflame U.S.-Mexico relations; fail to deter illegal immigration; lead to economic and agriculture losses; endanger public lands and wildlife; create flood hazards; encroach on private property rights; and infringe on the property rights of Native Americans.”